Former Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz struck a late 89th-minute penalty to earn Arsenal a 1-1 draw in their Champions League last-16 first leg, canceling out Robert Andrich’s header.
The match was dominated by a tactical spat over “offensive blocks” at set-pieces.
After Leverkusen manager Kasper Hjulmand questioned Arsenal’s physical tactics pre-match, his own side took the lead via an Alex Grimaldo corner.
The irony prompted Arsenal set-piece coach Nicolas Jover to mockingly tell Hjulmand on the touchline: “You do it too, eh?”
Mikel Arteta revealed he showed his team “three clips” of Leverkusen’s routines beforehand, yet they still “got caught” by a lack of urgency.
Arteta unusually substituted a quiet Bukayo Saka for Noni Madueke, who eventually won the late penalty.
Havertz, who left Leverkusen for £71m in 2020, showed “top composure” to convert against his former club.
While the Gunners’ 100% record in the competition ended, the draw makes them favorites for next Tuesday’s return leg at the Emirates.
“We are confident we will get the job done in London,” Madueke said.
